Mickelson set for Castle Stuart hat-trick

5/12/2013 12:29:42 PM

Phil Mickelson (Getty Images)

Phil Mickelson has confirmed he will return to Castle Stuart Golf Links to complete in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open from July 11-14.

The four-time Major Champion has become something of an adopted Scot over the past decade, playing in eight of the last ten editions of Scotland’s national open. His return to Inverness and the Home of Golf in the summer will see the 42 year old complete a hat-trick of appearances at Castle Stuart before the tournament moves to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club next year.

One of the most popular players of the modern era, Mickelson’s crowd-drawing presence at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open will carry even more significance this year, following the announcement that the tournament will become the first regular European Tour event outside the Majors and World Golf Championships to be shown live on a major United States TV broadcast network.

The ground-breaking agreement with NBC will complement the existing coverage of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on the Golf Channel as Mickelson, a huge admirer of Castle Stuart, looks to win for the first time on British soil.

“It’s always a real pleasure for me to add the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open to my schedule,” said Mickelson, who came within a sudden-death play-off of victory in the event in 2007.

“Playing Castle Stuart gives me a great opportunity to be competitive against a world class field on a links course the week before The British Open. Beyond that, Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse did a wonderful job on the course.

“As golf course architects, those guys recognise that golf is not about hitting the ball longer and harder; it's about fun, creativity, memorable shots and holes that don’t have to beat you up all the time. It should almost be a prerequisite to play Castle Stuart before you're allowed to design golf courses nowadays.”

A season ticket to see Mickelson and many of The European Tour’s biggest stars at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open can be bought for £70 in advance of the tournament, a saving of £10 on admission at the gate. Adult day tickets are currently priced at £30, rising to £35 on the gate.

Concessions (60 and over) start at £50 for a season ticket and £20 for any one day tickets if purchased in advance. Under-16s accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free. Entrance to the Pro-Am on Wednesday is £12 in advance and £15 on the day.

Reserved grandstand seating can also be purchased immediately for the Saturday (£10) and the Sunday (£15) of the event. Hospitality packages are also available.